The Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials, accompanied by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel, encountered obstacles and were reportedly heckled by West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police officers during raids at the India Political Action Committee (I-PAC) office and co-founder Pratik Jain’s residence in Kolkata on January 8. The ED possesses evidence of the alleged misconduct by state police towards CAPF personnel at Jain’s residence and towards the raiding officials.
The agency has not disclosed the specifics of the evidence it holds, clarifying that it does not include CCTV footage from Jain’s residence and the I-PAC office. The ED has taken legal action by filing a petition in the Supreme Court, seeking urgent intervention. The state government has also filed a caveat in the apex court to avoid an ex parte hearing.
Initially approaching the Calcutta High Court, the ED accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and state officials of obstructing their duties. However, due to a crowded courtroom, the matter could not be heard, and the next hearing is scheduled for January 14. Subsequently, the ED sought an urgent hearing from a division bench, but the request was denied, setting the next hearing for January 14 as well.
